Bitcoin Drops to $91K as EU–US Tariff Tensions Trigger Crypto Crash

TheNewsCryptoPublished on 2026-01-19Last updated on 2026-01-19

Abstract

The European Union announced plans to retaliate against the U.S. in response to new tariffs imposed by President Trump, triggering a significant cryptocurrency market crash. Bitcoin dropped from approximately $95,000 to $91,000 in early Monday trading, erasing recent gains and leading to over $850 million in liquidations. The overall crypto market cap fell by 3%, with altcoins following Bitcoin’s decline. The market has lost over $110 billion since mid-January. Trump’s tariff announcement, which includes a 10% levy on goods from major EU countries starting February 1 and a potential increase to 25% by June 1 if a deal on Greenland is not reached, was met with threats of retaliation from the EU. The legality of the tariffs is still under review by the U.S. Supreme Court, adding to market uncertainty.

The European Union revealed that it has plans to take strong steps against the US in reaction to the new tariffs forced by President Trump, resulting in a devastating crypto market crash, setting off mass liquidations.

The market has faced declination, yet another setback because of the current trade tensions between the U.S. and the European Union. The price of Bitcoin witnessed an unexpected drop in the early trading hours of Monday, leading to liquidations of more than $850 million.

This came as U.S. stock markets were shut at the time of the recent public holiday in the country. The price of BTC dropped from about $95,000 to around $91,000. This changed the gains it had witnessed in the latest weeks, where it peaked at about $97,000.

The Position of Altcoins

Altcoins also came after the lead of the coin as the overall crypto market cap was struck by 3%. It is noteworthy that the market has lost more than $110 billion in value since January 15.

This was followed by the announcement from Trump that the U.S. would impose a 10% tariff on goods from mega EU countries from February 1. He also frightened a 25% surge in the policy from June 1 if they do not attain a deal on the purchase of Greenland.

At the same time, this was not affectionately received by these countries, as they now intend to make a retaliatory move. Adding more, the U.S. government is still waiting for the Supreme Court on whether these Trump tariffs are legal in the first place, as sentiment carries on to diminish in the market.

The crypto market drop initiated in full swing as indications from Europe reveal a retaliatory response to the US threat. As reported by Reuters, EU ambassadors attained a deal late Sunday to halt Trump from imposing the tariffs on the countries.

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Related Questions

QWhat was the main reason for the crypto market crash mentioned in the article?

AThe crypto market crash was triggered by trade tensions between the EU and the US, specifically the EU's plans to take strong steps against the US in reaction to new tariffs imposed by President Trump.

QHow much did Bitcoin's price drop during the early trading hours of Monday?

ABitcoin's price dropped from about $95,000 to around $91,000.

QWhat was the total value of liquidations that occurred due to the market decline?

AThe market decline led to liquidations of more than $850 million.

QWhat specific tariff action did President Trump announce against EU countries?

APresident Trump announced that the US would impose a 10% tariff on goods from mega EU countries starting February 1, with a threat to increase it to 25% from June 1 if a deal on the purchase of Greenland is not reached.

QHow did the overall cryptocurrency market cap change as a result of this event?

AThe overall crypto market cap was struck by 3%, and the market has lost more than $110 billion in value since January 15.

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